Jawoyn allrounder Ella Hayward has signed with the Hobart Hurricanes ahead of WBBL|12.
The 23-year-old joins the defending champions after spending last season with the Melbourne Stars and the previous five with cross-town rivals Melbourne Renegades.
A right-handed batter and off-spinner, the Hurricanes said Hayward brings significant domestic experience to Hobart despite still being in the early stages of her career.
She made her WBBL debut for the Renegades as a 17-year-old in 2020 and has since progressed through the Australian pathway, representing her country at the inaugural ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2023 before earning Australia A selection two years later.
Hayward also represented the Australian Indigenous team at the Pacific Aus Sports Cricket Invitational in Papua New Guinea last year.
"I was definitely looking at all different teams, and just looking for the best fit for me," Hayward said on signing with the Hurricanes.
"But I think it's a brilliant club, and I had some great conversations with Jude [Jude Coleman and Sall [Sallyann Briggs], and I'm really looking forward to just being a part of the group.
"Obviously [they're] fresh off their WBBL title, which is really exciting, and I'm just hoping I can contribute as much as I can."
Hayward's potential as a genuine allrounder was underlined during a breakout 2024-25 season with Victoria, when she led the state in both runs and wickets.
Elevated to the No.3 position, she amassed 446 runs and also claimed 21 wickets during the campaign, including a maiden century and career-best bowling figures of 6-31, performances which saw her awarded the Sharon Tredrea Award as Victoria's Player of the Season.
Hayward was subsequently named into Victoria's leadership group as co-vice-captain for the 2025-26 season.
Hayward said she harboured ambitions too take her game "to the next level".
"Doing a bit of Aus A stuff in the last couple of years, that's something I want to keep working towards and keep doing, and then just hopefully see where I can take my cricket to, and hopefully play for Australia someday," she said.
Hayward also enjoyed a strong campaign at the 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships, helping Victoria claim its inaugural women's title.
She scored 181 runs in Mackay at an average of 60.33 and claimed five wickets, including 3-18 in Victoria's grand final victory over New South Wales, earning selection in the Women's Team of the Tournament.
Hayward's move to the Hurricanes follows her switch to Tasmania ahead of the 2026-27 Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) season.
Head Coach Jude Coleman said Hayward's versatility would provide another valuable option for the Hurricanes throughout WBBL|12.
"Ella gives us flexibility because she is someone who can genuinely influence a game with both bat and ball," Coleman said.
"She has shown at domestic level what she is capable of when given an opportunity, and we're excited to see what she can bring to our group.
"We see her as a key player in coming seasons for the Hurricanes, and it's great to have secured Ella on a two-year deal.
"She is still only 23, so there is plenty of upside in her game, and having her involved with the Tigers means we have a great opportunity to work with her throughout the year and continue developing her game."
The Hurricanes being their WBBL|12 campaign against the Melbourne Stars on 29 October at St Kilda's Junction Oval.
